ADL slams Paladino's statements

Ron Meier, the state Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, released a statement that said the group was “appalled” by Carl Paladino’s statements “denigrating homosexuality and suggesting that a homosexual lifestyle is not ‘valid.'”

This isn’t the ADL’s first spin on the gubernatorial merry-go-round: The League caught heat this summer forsaying that the developers of Park51 should find a new site for the project.

Here’s the full statement:

We are appalled by Carl Paladino’s comments denigrating homosexuality and suggesting that a homosexual lifestyle is not “valid.” His statements are an affront to all New Yorkers, and are particularly disturbing in light of several recent hate crimes targeting the LGBT community in the New York Metropolitan Area.

We have repeatedly urged all candidates to refrain from appeals to prejudice and bigotry. Such appeals are offensive, counterproductive and contrary to our nation’s democratic values.

Earlier this year, ADL urged our national leaders – and candidates – to commit themselves to restoring civility to our public discourse. We renew that call today. A truly effective candidate is one who engages in thoughtful and reasoned debate and rejects divisive and hateful rhetoric. That is an essential ingredient of leadership.